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About PIRSA
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is a key economic development agency in the Government of South Australia.
We are responsible for maintaining the prosperity of the state's primary industries and regions.
South Australia's primary industries and agribusiness generated $18.5 billion of revenue in 2022–23, with direct employment and associated processing at 78,000 (full-time equivalent). These industries accounted for 51% of the state's merchandise exports.
Key topics
Major industries
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Aquaculture
We support the aquaculture industry and manage aquatic animal health with surveillance, education, and disease response. -
Commercial fishing
See the rules, licensing and registration, and fish size limits that apply to SA's commercial fisheries and processors. -
Food and beverage
Our food and beverage industries are vital to the state’s economy, with opportunities for local, national, and overseas growth. -
Forestry
We work with businesses and the community to develop world-leading initiatives for the forestry and wood products industries. -
Grains and crops
The sustainable grains industry in SA produces wheat, barley, canola, lentils, oats, peas, beans, lupins and chickpeas. -
Grape and wine
SA accounts for almost 80% of Australia’s premium wine production, with some of the oldest grapevines in the world. -
Horticulture
Our state is recognised for excellence in environmentally clean, safe, and advanced horticultural production. -
Livestock, wool and dairy
We deliver services, advice, research and development to increase the livestock industry's thriving trade and investment.
Latest news
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Support SA's tomato growers this Christmas
18 December
Consumers are being encouraged to make the most of locally-grown tomatoes this Christmas, with a bumper crop and some interstate restrictions having resulted in an oversupply in SA.Read more about Support SA's tomato growers this Christmas -
Check, Clean, Dry: Reduce the spread of abalone disease this summer
16 December
Fishers and divers in South Australia’s southeastern waters are being reminded to adopt good biosecurity practices during the summer holidays to reduce the spread of Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis (AVG).Read more about Check, Clean, Dry: Reduce the spread of abalone disease this summer -
Applications open for new wine business and tourism program
13 December
South Australian wine tourism owners and managers are encouraged to apply for a new educational program aimed at assisting the sector to respond to new and emerging demands.Read more about Applications open for new wine business and tourism program -
No-and-low-alcohol research trial subsidies for SA wine business
12 December
South Australia is proudly leading the way with the world's first no-and-low-alcohol (NOLO) trial-scale research facility located at the University of Adelaide's Waite Campus in Adelaide.Read more about No-and-low-alcohol research trial subsidies for SA wine business -
New eID producer groups supporting farmers through transition
12 December
Expressions of interest from producer groups looking to enhance their capabilities and confidence in using electronic identification (eID) for improved on-farm decision making are now open.Read more about New eID producer groups supporting farmers through transition -
On-farm drought infrastructure grants open
12 December
Applications are now open for the State Government’s $5 million On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Rebate Scheme to support farmers across the state experiencing some of the worst dry conditions on record.Read more about On-farm drought infrastructure grants open -
New protections for vulnerable shark and ray species in SA
11 December
The State Government has introduced new rules for shark and ray fishing aimed at protecting vulnerable species from overfishing and preventing inhumane treatment.Read more about New protections for vulnerable shark and ray species in SA -
Crop performance boosted by improved farming practices during drought conditions
9 December
Drought conditions during the growing season have impacted crop performance in many parts of the state, but improved farming practices have helped boost production compared with previous low-rainfall years, according to the latest Crop and Pasture Re…Read more about Crop performance boosted by improved farming practices during drought conditions -
New Penola fire tower ready to protect South East
6 December
The Malinauskas Labor Government has officially delivered on its election commitment to upgrade fire towers in the Limestone Coast, with the launch of the final tower at Penola becoming fully operational in time for the 2024-25 bushfire season.…Read more about New Penola fire tower ready to protect South East -
Have your say – PIRSA Fruit Fly feedback at the markets
5 December
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) Fruit Fly Emergency Response Team will be available at the Riverland markets to answer questions from residents about the continuing efforts to eradicate Queensland Fruit Fly from the region.…Read more about Have your say – PIRSA Fruit Fly feedback at the markets
